Where is South Padre Island,South Padre Island, Texas?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

South Padre Island is located in Texas, USA. It lies between Port Isabel and the Gulf of Mexico and is situated on a barrier island along the southern Texas coast. It is famous for its sandy beaches, water sports, and spring break tourism.

South Padre Island Location Map,South Padre Island, Texas

Top Attractions Inside South Padre Island

  • South Padre Island Beach – Wide sandy beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  • Sea Turtle Inc. – Conservation center dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles.
  • Island Water Sports – Activities including jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
  • SPI Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center – Interactive marine exhibits and dolphin encounters.
  • South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center – Trails and observation towers for birdwatching and wildlife.
  • Schlitterbahn Waterpark – Fun water slides, lazy rivers, and family-friendly attractions.

South Padre Island Facts

Official NameSouth Padre Island
LocationSouth Padre Island, Cameron County, Texas, USA — Gulf of Mexico / Texas Gulf Coast
Latitude & Longitude26.1169° N, 97.1681° W
Total AreaApprox. 34 sq mi (88 km²) — barrier island including beaches, resorts, and natural areas
Established / FoundedDeveloped as a resort and recreational destination mid-20th century; island has historic settlements since 18th century
Managed ByCity of South Padre Island / Cameron County / Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (for conservation areas)
RegionTexas Gulf Coast / Laguna Madre / South Texas Coastal Region
AddressCity Hall: 4601 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA
Zip Code78597
Area Code956
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT) – UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptBeachfront recreation, Gulf Coast tourism, water sports, wildlife & nature, family-friendly resorts, spring break destination
Main Sections / AreasSouth Padre Island beaches, Laguna Madre bayside areas, Sea Turtle, Inc. & nature center, resort zone along Padre Boulevard, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Isla Blanca Park
Famous AttractionsIsla Blanca Park, Sea Turtle, Inc., Schlitterbahn Waterpark, South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center, water sports (parasailing, jet-skiing, windsurfing), dolphin watching tours, spring break events
Annual VisitorsApprox. 2–3 million visitors per year
Entry Fee TypePublic beaches mostly free; parking fees at beach access points and parks; some attractions and tours paid
Ticket Price RangeParking: ~$5–$20 per day; Sea Turtle, Inc. donation/admission: ~$5–$10; water sport rentals & tours: ~$20–$100+ per person
Ticket OptionsFree beach access, paid beach parking, guided tours, wildlife encounters, water sports rentals, park day passes, private excursions
Best Time to VisitMarch–May for spring break and mild weather; November–May for pleasant temperatures; summer for peak beach activity
Nearby AirportValley International Airport (HRL) – Harlingen, TX – ~30 miles; Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) – ~30 miles
TransportationCar, rental vehicles, taxis, ride-share services, shuttle buses, bicycle rentals, walking along beaches and resort areas
Official Websitehttps://www.myspi.org

Distances from South Padre Island to Nearby Landmarks

  • Port Isabel Lighthouse – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Isla Blanca Park – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Sea Turtle, Inc. – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • South Padre Island Convention Centre – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Schlitterbahn Waterpark – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • SPI Birding & Nature Center – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Gravity Park – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Texas State Aquarium – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Laguna Madre Nature Trail – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • North Padre Island – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • SPI Beach Access – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Bob Hall Pier – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Jetties Beach – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • South Padre Island Beachfront – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Sunset Beach – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Andy Bowie Park – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Brownsville, TX – 46 km (28.6 mi)
  • Harlingen, TX – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Corpus Christi, TX – 330 km (205 mi)
  • McAllen, TX – 200 km (124 mi)